Nathan Hale - Timeline

  • Growing Up

    Growing Up
    Nathan Hale grew up in Connecticut being raised as a Puritan. He learned the importance of hard work and virtue of religion. He was well educated.
  • Sent to College

    Sent to College
    Because of good education, he was sent to Yale college at the age of 14. He was sent with his 16 year old brother. They studied literature and debate.
  • Graduated From College

    Graduated From College
    Nathan Hale Graduated from Yale University at the age of 18. He was in first-class honors. He then hoped that his good education would lead him to a successful career.
  • Teaching Career

    Teaching Career
    After graduating he became a teacher. He taught in East Haddam, then in New London. The war eventually caused him to leave this career.
  • Joins the Militia

    Joins the Militia
    Joined the Connecticut Militia and became first Lieutenant. He was under colonel Charles Webb of Stamford. He possibly participated in the siege of Boston.
  • Captian Hale

    Captian Hale
    Made captain by Washington during the revolutionary war. Selected to lead Thomas Knowlton's "Rangers". This was as the British invaded Long Island.
  • Secret Mission

    Secret Mission
    Sent on a secret mission by Washington. He left American lines at Harlem Heights. He went undercover in Huntington, Long Island.
  • Undercover

    Undercover
    The British captured New York city. Hale goes there to gather information about the British Army. While he is there someone finds out is identity. This is as Washington is engaged at Harlem Heights.
  • Captured by the British

    Captured by the British
    Nathan Hale's identity is given away and on September 21 he is captured by the British. There is no certain history of who gave him away. At this time, being caught as a spy would lead to a horrible punishment.
  • Hanged

    Hanged
    On the morning of September 22, Nathan Hanged was executed and hanged. In legend he spoke, "I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country". He died at the age of 21, a hero for his bravery.